Tag: nfl

Steve Walsh was kind enough to sign my 1991 Pacific card. Walsh was a standout college quarterback winning a national championship in 1987. While Walsh had a long career in the NFL, he spent the majority of it as a backup. Walsh went on to become a successful high school coach and replaced Chris Weinke as the director of football for IMG Academy which is a proverbial factory for blue chip college athletes.

Rich Camarillo was kind enough to sign two cards for me and personalize them. Rich played for the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals from 1989-1993 but also played for the Patriots, Rams, Raiders, and Oilers. Camarillo was a 5x Pro Bowler (back when that meant alot) and won the Golden Toe award in 1992.

Pro Bowler and former Bengal and Ram Max Montoya returned my card signed. Montoya was a starting offensive lineman for 14 years in the NFL who became a restaurant owner and reporter after retirement. Montoya now raises horses on his farm in Kentucky.

One of my favorite players on my favorite team. Tommy Nobis played his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons and was the very first draft pick for the newly created Atlanta Falcons ins 1966.

Several years ago Mr. Nobis took some time to answer a few questions for me:

You played for the Falcons under head coach Van Brocklin. Was “The Dutchman” as strict and hard to play for as his reputation was?

“The Dutchman was a super NFL player and coach. Hall of Famer. Yes, he was strict and hard to play for but he was fair!”

You were drafted by both the Oilers (AFL) and the Falcons. Astronaut Frank Borman even called earth from space to tell you to sign with Houston. Being a former Longhorn, what made you sign with Atlanta?

“The Falcons were a brand new NFL team. I wanted to play for an NFL team. The Oilers were in the old AFL.”

What is one thing you would like to impart on young football fans?

“Listen to and learn from the advice given to you by your parents and your teachers/coaches!”